The Tennessee Volunteers’ Drawbacks During the 2024 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers have long been a respected name in college football. With a rich history and passionate fan base, Tennessee has established itself as a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers enjoyed a resurgent period in recent years, including a strong 2022 campaign that saw them break into the College Football Playoff conversation. However, despite optimism heading into the 2024 season, the Volunteers have encountered a series of drawbacks that have hindered their ability to maintain a consistent level of success.

From issues with roster depth to struggles in key areas like defense and quarterback play, Tennessee’s 2024 season has been marked by challenges that have prevented them from being the elite team many expected them to be. This article will explore the various factors contributing to Tennessee’s drawbacks this season, offering an in-depth analysis of the team’s struggles and how they are affecting the program’s trajectory.

1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play

One of the most significant issues for Tennessee in 2024 has been the inconsistency at quarterback. The quarterback position has been a source of strength for the Volunteers in recent years, with former quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker leading the charge during Tennessee’s rise to prominence in 2022. However, in 2024, the Volunteers have struggled to find stability under center, and it has had a ripple effect across the entire offense.

While Tennessee has talented quarterbacks on its roster, neither starter has been able to provide the consistent play that is necessary for a team to succeed at the highest levels of college football. The team’s inability to establish a clear and dependable quarterback has led to a lack of cohesion on offense and has made it difficult for the Volunteers to sustain drives and put up points against elite competition.

Additionally, this inconsistency has affected the development of the rest of the offense. The Tennessee offense, which has been known for its explosive passing game under Heupel’s high-tempo system, has been much less effective in 2024. Whether it’s a lack of trust between the quarterback and his receivers or a failure to execute the fast-paced system, the offense has not been the same potent force it once was. This uncertainty at quarterback has not only been a drawback for Tennessee in individual games but has been one of the key factors keeping them from reaching their full potential as a program.

2. Defensive Struggles and Lack of Depth

Another major drawback for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024 has been their struggles on defense. Historically, Tennessee has been known for its strong defensive play, especially during the days of great Volunteers defenses in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, in recent years, the defensive side of the ball has not been as dominant, and 2024 has proven to be no different.

Despite having a talented roster, Tennessee’s defense has consistently struggled to stop high-powered offenses in the SEC. The Volunteers’ defense has been particularly vulnerable to the pass, giving up big plays that have resulted in long drives and scoring opportunities for opponents. Whether it’s poor coverage in the secondary or issues with pass rush execution, the defense has not been able to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers as effectively as needed.

The lack of depth on defense has also been a major issue for the Volunteers this season. While Tennessee has some talented players in key positions, injuries and fatigue have taken a toll on the defense, leading to breakdowns in critical moments. The SEC is a league that demands both depth and talent on defense, and Tennessee’s struggles in this area have made it difficult for the team to keep pace with other elite programs. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have been able to exploit Tennessee’s defensive weaknesses, taking advantage of the Volunteers’ inability to consistently stop the run or pressure the quarterback.

Tennessee’s lack of depth in the defensive front seven has also been evident. In several games this season, the Volunteers have been unable to contain opposing running backs, giving up significant yardage on the ground. This has put additional pressure on the secondary, leading to blown coverages and big gains through the air. Until Tennessee can find a way to shore up its defense and build more depth, these issues will continue to plague the team in 2024.

3. Special Teams Troubles

Special teams can often be an overlooked aspect of football, but they can make the difference between winning and losing, especially in close games. For Tennessee, special teams have been a noticeable weak point in 2024. From issues with field goal kicking to inconsistent coverage on punts and kickoffs, Tennessee has failed to execute in critical moments.

One of the most glaring issues has been the kicking game. While Tennessee has had solid kickers in the past, their ability to rely on a consistent leg has been a problem in 2024. Missed field goals in key moments, especially in tight games, have cost the Volunteers valuable points and momentum. In a conference as competitive as the SEC, these mistakes are magnified, as each game has high stakes. In particular, the inability to convert on long field goals or maintain consistent kickoffs has put the Volunteers in difficult positions, giving opponents better field position and limiting Tennessee’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Additionally, special teams coverage has been problematic. The Volunteers have allowed several long returns throughout the season, which has given opponents favorable starting positions and additional chances to score. This lack of discipline on special teams has further compounded the team’s struggles, as it has taken away from the strong plays the offense and defense have occasionally made.

4. Offensive Line Inconsistencies

The offensive line is one of the most important units for any football team, and for Tennessee, inconsistency in this area has been a major setback during the 2024 season. While the Volunteers have a solid group of offensive linemen, the unit has failed to provide the level of protection needed for the quarterback or the running backs. This lack of protection has been particularly evident in the team’s losses, where defensive fronts from rival SEC schools have consistently overwhelmed Tennessee’s blockers.

Part of the problem has been injuries and a lack of depth in the offensive line. While Tennessee has a few talented starters, they have struggled with injuries throughout the season, forcing them to shuffle players in and out of the lineup. This has led to a lack of continuity and rhythm along the line, making it difficult to establish a consistent rushing attack and protect the quarterback.

The inability to control the line of scrimmage has had a direct impact on Tennessee’s offensive production. The running game, which has been an important part of the offense, has struggled to gain any significant yardage, and the lack of protection for the quarterback has led to hurried throws and sacks. This inconsistency in the trenches has prevented Tennessee from being the explosive offense it was in years past, limiting its ability to keep up with high-scoring teams.

5. Inability to Close Out Close Games

Another troubling trend for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024 has been their inability to close out close games. In several contests, Tennessee has been in a strong position to win, only to see their opponents capitalize on late-game mistakes or missed opportunities. Whether it’s a turnover in the final moments, a missed field goal, or an inability to execute in the clutch, Tennessee has failed to finish games with the kind of poise that championship-caliber teams possess.

This issue has been particularly evident in games against top-tier SEC opponents. The Volunteers have shown flashes of greatness but have lacked the killer instinct to put games away when it matters most. In the SEC, where the margin for error is razor-thin, Tennessee’s inability to finish games has cost them valuable victories and prevented them from competing for a conference championship.

6. Recruiting Challenges

While Tennessee has a strong recruiting class, they have faced challenges in attracting and retaining top-tier talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The SEC is a recruiting battleground, with schools like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU constantly vying for the best recruits. Tennessee’s struggles to build depth and bring in elite talent on defense have been compounded by a recruiting battle that is fierce and unrelenting.

While the program has had success in bringing in skilled offensive players, the lack of top defensive recruits has left Tennessee at a disadvantage when it comes to competing with the league’s best teams. Until Tennessee can address this gap in recruiting, their struggles on defense are likely to continue.